I Did Not Know It Then

Life is fleeting and time is fragile.  Handle both with care.

Christmas Eve my family and I visited my Dad.  While we walked, I held his arm to steady his steps.  I would not know it then, but it would be the last time I would see him walk.

Last Wednesday I guided his lunch spoon while he shakily scraped at his plate, occasionally scooping up the food myself and then handing it back so that he could feed himself, because he still had dignity.  I would not know it then, but it would be the last time I would see him eat.

Thursday the final downturn that had always been expected had begun and by Saturday I held his hand while his body fought.  I would not know it then, but it would be the last time I would hold my Daddy's hand.

He fought hard but was tired.  Sunday afternoon he left us.  Just like that.  The normal that had always been and the constant his very existence provided died right along with him.

Never take those closest to your heart for granted.

To read more about my Dad's journey:

Make Mine Pastrami Please
and
Stories to Tell